cissa/andi/ted
WHO: Narcissa Malfoy, Andromeda & Ted Tonks
WHAT: Narcissa properly meets Ted. Cuteness ensues.
WHEN: The party
WHERE: Malfoy Manor
RATING: PG
STATUS: Done



Narcissa knew some people wouldn't come to the party out of principle. She was hurt that some of her former friends chose to not attend, but she couldn't say she was entirely comfortable in having muggle-borns milling about at will either. It was a tough spot and she was trying to make it work, but she felt frazzled. She was concerned that Lucius would slip or that an argument would break out and everything would be ruined. And above all? She wanted her son and nephew to have a special day. So she played the role of perfect host, fluttering about in that green dress that made her look like a beautiful mermaid. However, as she spotted a familiar flash of red hair, she paused. She was so grateful to have Andi in her life again, but she still hadn't properly met Ted. Oh, she knew him from all those years ago, but she had never been very kind. What she hadn't said in words, her dirty looks had made up for. Really, other than his blood status, she had no reason to feel the hatred she had then. He had stolen her sister; he was the reason their parents cut contact.

Except Narcissa knew that wasn't true anymore. She saw how happy Andromeda was and how well Nymphadora had turned out and…she couldn't despise Ted anymore. She couldn't hate him for loving her sister every bit as much as she did. And though Narcissa had never shared well, she took a deep breath, walking over to them. "Hello, Andi. Ted." She smiled, inclining her head slightly.

Ted had come. He knew that he was going to. If nothing else, it was for Andromeda and Nymphadora. What was important to them was important to him. And, truth be told, it was also for Teddy and even Draco. The latter of the boys had slipped, but Ted found that he couldn't hold it against the lad. One learned what they learned and it was difficult to unlearn such things in a short period of time.

He smiled when Narcissa came over, absently straightening up and clasping the hand of Andromeda's that was upon his arm. He always thought it interesting how the sisters looked both so different and similar at the same time. His own brother and he were very alike in features. Lifting his eyebrows a little, coupled with the small smile, relayed that he didn't want any hard feelings in between Narcissa and himself. "Narcissa. It's a lovely party." He looked around briefly, then brought his attention back. "I hope Draco and Teddy are enjoying themselves as well."

"They ought to be," Andromeda added, leaning in to brush a kiss against her sister's cheek. "Narcissa, you've done a beautiful job." She held back the urge to ask if the Malfoys needed help paying for the affair, or if there'd be too many corners cut because of it. Though solely devoted to Ted and their daughter, Andi was still very much a Black as well, and the Blacks held their pride above all. She knew Narcissa was very much the same and she didn't dare put her sister in such an awkward position, especially in front of her husband.

Patting the hand holding hers, she smiled up at Ted. "Ted, I'd like you to meet my sister, Narcissa Malfoy." It seemed so formal, but that's just how it had to be. Yes, the two had met before, and their paths had crossed many times. But Ted had also been the one who'd held her when she'd cried over her sister not replying to her letters and he'd watched her be completely miserable when Draco's birth had been announced in the Prophet and she hadn't received one word. There were many years to cross, and starting at the beginning seemed the best way. "Cissy, this is Ted, my husband."

"Oh, I surely hope they are," Narcissa said to Ted. "I'm under solemn oath to not tell any embarrassing stories or show any baby photographs, but..." Her eyes shone with mischief. "I might be able to oblige the adults later." She smiled at the pair, pausing only to return her sister's kiss. "I am so glad you are here," she whispered into the older woman's ear. She had hoped their argument wouldn't stop Andromeda from attending and even Tonks' promise to be there hadn't assuaged her fears.

She allowed her full attention to turn to Ted when Andi gestured toward him and issued the "introduction" of sorts. "A pleasure to properly meet you," Narcissa said, finding she truly meant the words. Her eyes swept over him. He was a good-looking man, even at his age. And he had kind eyes. She went to hold out her hands, but dropped them, standing on tip toes to kiss his cheek. "I am sorry," she muttered into his ear. "So sorry." She hadn't planned the apology, at least not there, but it poured forth. So many years of pain and...it could have been prevented. If only she had been a bit braver...

"What fun is it to be the adult if you can't gush over baby pictures and embarrassing stories?" He asked with a boyish smile, never having quite grown out of mischief himself. The proper introduction didn't go unnoticed, of course, and he thought it strange that they had to do that. But it was a start. Watching Andi with his sister, Ted had to smile. He was happy that his wife would finally get to be with her sister again. Lord only knew what he would have done if he hadn't been allowed to speak with his family.

When Narcissa came up and kissed his cheek, Ted was very surprised. Pleasantly so, as well! He embraced her easily in a light hug and spoke quietly in her ear in return. "What's past is past." A kiss placed to her cheek in return, then he pulled away. "Now I'll be able to groan about sister talks and raid girls' nites out." Joked.

Well, of course he was gracious. Andromeda did always have taste. Narcissa blinked back the tears that threatened to fall, smiling more broadly. "Oh, we'll have Mr. Lupin keep you occupied, won't we, Andi?" She looked back at her sister with an expression that held more hope and love than it had in quite a bit.

"No more than you groan about everything else," Andromeda told her husband with an airy giggle. It was a rare sound from her. Andromeda had always considered herself a woman who was very pulled together, and now? Now she was giggling like she was fourteen again. "But yes, love, as I'm afraid we'll tend to kidnap Dora from time to time, you and Remus will just have to keep each other busy. But remember, secrets don't make friends. We will find out if you talk behind our backs!" It wasn't possible to imagine including Narcissa's own husband in the equation, and so she didn't. A muggleborn and a halfblooded half-breed socialising with the likes of Lucius Malfoy? Well, better to not tempt fate, at least not yet.

Ted laughed openly and studied Andi for a brief moment. He liked her like this. Mental note was made to tell her that later, in private. An overly dramatic sigh escape and he smiled. "I don't know what we men will do if you leave us unattended. Likely pull something apart to see how it ticks, and then neglect to put it back together." And at the mention of secrets, he scoffed playfully. "We do not keep secrets." Pause. Maybe the boys did, and the girls didn't know it. "Or maybe we already keep secrets and we're rather good at looking the innocent." Teased.

"What is it with boys needing to have everything taken apart to see how it works? Besides, I'm sure between the two of you, you could figure it out without dismantling your grandmother's clock...again." Andi gave him a stern look, though the corners of her lips were twitched up in a smile. "Remus would just read a book and give you the entire story anyway." Though her daughter's boyfriend may have made her a bit nervous at times, she did think him a good man. It was the reason she was more than willing to slip him the best of the pile of new arrivals at the shop. "Why can't you just go out for drinks or...I don't know, one of those dreadful muggle poetry readings?" Turning to Narcissa, she grinned. "They really are sort of awful, at least the one I went to. One of our authors was trying her hand at muggle work for the first time, I thought I'd stop in. Dreadful, far too much coffee and people reading poetry about things they had no clue about."

Oh, Andi was more than right in leaving Lucius out of any "male bonding" plans. The fact that he hadn't exploded with all the "dirty" blood about was a marvel to Narcissa. No way would she tempt fate so much as to ask him to befriend her sister's husband. However, she also wasn't about to let him stop her from getting to know them better. She knew Lucius really wouldn't say anything to her, but that didn't mean he approved. Well, tough. She loved Lucius, but loved her darling older sister too. She also was fairly sure she was falling in love with her niece who not only held so much of Andi within her, but had been so good to Cissa's own child. "Oh, I am sure we have some things they can tinker about with, Andi. At least we know magic can help with the things we own, hm? I'd hate to see them destroy some muggle's cherished possession." She winked before smoothing out an imagined wrinkle in her dress. "I hope you both join us for a bit smaller of an affair soon? Maybe even with Remus and Nymphadora? Lucius might have...business, but Draco and I would love the company."

Ted genuinely liked Remus Lupin. And someday soon he'd be telling Remus as such, then proceed to tell him that if he hurt Nymphadora then Ted would have to stop liking him. Which wouldn't be very fun at all. And he looked at Andi, "Good Merlin, woman. Poetry readings..honestly." He was attempting to look offended, but it really didn't work. "Unless they're reading actual poets, I don't want to listen." Ted was a fan of the classics, but modern-day poetry wasn't very good. A hip bump was given lightly to his wife, and then he chuckled at Narcissa's comment. "I imagine my mother wished for some type of music when I was growing up. I took apart the telly once, because I wanted to see the insides of it."

Then he was nodding, "We'd love to join you later, Narcissa." He knew that Andi would, of course. And wouldn't mind at all himself.

Lucius might actually have an urge to stab himself through the heart, seated at dinner with his wife's traitor sister, her muggleborn husband, their halfblood morphing daughter, and her poor werewolf boyfriend, but of course Andromeda wouldn't say as much. No, she didn't approve of many of Lucius' actions, but she knew how the past few years had hurt Narcissa. Her opinionated sister had likely put Lucius in his place for the damage he had caused their family, and it wasn't Andromeda's place to say so. Beaming at Ted for his playfulness, she reached over and squeezed her sister's hand. "I think it'd be lovely. I know Dora would enjoy spending the extra time with Draco, as well. She's certainly taken to him. I didn't expect it, I'll be honest, she's always been curious but..." Her features clouded over a bit as she considered her young daughter's thoughts on the family she didn't know. "I think part of her was hurt. Resentful, maybe, I'm not sure. But he won her over, regardless." Then again, Dora had a huge heart. It'd be hard for her not to open herself up to someone going through all Draco had.

And for that reason, Narcissa fully planned on having Lucius "away" on business if her sister's family really did visit. She loved her husband fiercely, but she wouldn't subject either side to such hypocrisy. She didn't want to change Lucius; she loved him with her whole being. However, she did still want both her husband and son and Andromeda.

Narcissa's smiled faltered ever so slightly as Andi hinted at the past, but the Malfoy matriarch quickly recovered. "Well, she's clearly quite special. I am quite taken with her as well." They had only had that special lunch and a few journal exchanges, but it was true. Narcissa was quickly falling for her niece. Then again, she had always wondered about her, even more so when Bella was carted off, leaving Narcissa with no nieces and nephews of her own. Oh, she adored Teddy to pieces, but it was still different when it was your own sibling's child. "You both did an amazing job."

Ted beamed in the way that only proud fathers could when Narcissa complimented Dora. He couldn't help it, and would likely be old and decrepit and still beaming about his daughter. "I was just telling Andi the other day that Dora was raised wonderfully, thanks to her. I simply took her on as a playmate and someone to show the ropes in the kitchen." He paused a beat, tone deadpan, but obviously still playful. "Sadly, the latter part only worked halfway. Must have been Andromeda's doing."

He smiled then and tipped his head in Narcissa's direction, "She quite enjoyed her time spent with you as well. We were talking about it not too long after your meeting."

"I've tried explaining to him over and over that he's been a brilliant influence in her life," Andromeda informed her sister, shooting a scolding look in her husband's direction. "But clearly he thinks she only learned to bake biscuits under his care. And besides, I told you, I never baked before I met you! I'm bound to be...well...a bit..." The apples of her cheeks turned pink and she shrugged. "At least they're edible when I make them these days!" Narcissa had never had to play the role of domestic goddess, Andromeda figured, so her sister would understand that Black children weren't raised to do housework or cooking or the like. They were raised to raise children, to breed heirs to the line. She'd had a bit of schooling in music and culture and was taught the basics of reading and writing, but beyond that, she'd lived a life of luxury. She didn't miss it, exactly, and she'd learned to keep an organized and tidy house despite Ted's inability to hold a broom. But baking and cooking were things she just couldn't grasp.

Narcissa really never set foot into a kitchen unless she was looking for a certain elf or wanted to double check a menu. Nor did she clean. Luckily, her choice to lie for Harry coupled with the money her parents left her had made it so the Malfoys didn't have to cut too many corners on that front. She might have been too old to learn new tricks and, honestly, had no desire to learn how to cook or clean. She was still very much a spoiled little girl and only willing to compromise on certain matters. So she simply nodded and laughed, trying to seem like she understood what was so hard about such household matters. "I'll have to try some, sister dear." She gently squeezed Andromeda's elbow. "Though Ted might want to bring some back ups..."

"Oh, I'd recommend you didn't!" Andromeda protested, laughing. "I'm afraid Ted's right, if it were up to me, my daughter would probably back bricks and we'd call them delightful. No, I'm afraid the baking is best left to her daddy. Half the sweets and desserts she's made for Draco were taught by him, I'm sure." Almost absently, Andromeda leaned her head on Ted's shoulder for a moment.

"Now you are going to go making me blush in front of all these people, Andromeda." Chided playfully, an absent pressing of a kiss placed on the head that leaned on his shoulder. Ted was an affectionate man and rarely, if ever, let public venues keep him from small motions of admiration toward his family. Sometimes perhaps to their chagrin, he imagined, but they went along with it anyway. Narcissa in the kitchen was nearly as amusing a thought as Andromeda in the kitchen. So he laughed, not unkindly, and shrugged up the unoccupied shoulder. "We all have different skills. I cannot clean if my life depended on it." Poor kitchen always took a beating while he was puttering around in there. It took a beating twice over during father-daughter time. "And am far too unorganized to even dream of putting together a party like this."

It was strange to see a couple acting so touchy in public. Angus and Kaleigh had been more affectionate than most, but even they tended to leave for smaller events. It both intrigued and repulsed Narcissa. She couldn't imagine Lucius acting like Ted had and though she wasn't sure she wanted him to, it was still an interesting thought.

She knew a compliment when she heard one and positively beamed. "I enjoy planning," she informed him, excitement lighting her eyes. "A shame I don't get paid for it, yes?" Naturally, Cissa had no idea you could hire party planners. That had always been a wife's work in her circle.

"Oh, you could if you really wanted," Andromeda protested, having no idea of her sister's thoughts. In fact, her eyes lit up a bit at the mention. "I know loads of people who hire someone to put together things like this for them. Parties, events, weddings... Some specialize in one or another and some do them all, but there's definitely ones who'll hire people to do them. After all, Ted can't be the only one who'd muck this sort of thing up, right?" She grinned a bit wickedly, but her face soon returned to genuine enthusiasm. "We should do something special for Dora's next birthday and put you in charge of putting it all together. I doubt we'd do anything this big and fancy," she added, giving a small sweep of the room with her hand, "but something nice would be good for her and I'm sure you could make it just as wonderful."

Narcissa had no idea that her eyes lit up as her big sister spoke. It wasn't the money aspect that excited her for she still hadn't felt any pinch to her lifestyle despite Lucius selling a few properties, but the idea of being able to plan parties more often. "Really?" She asked the question almost tentatively. "Do you think I'd be any good at that sort of thing?" She assumed muggles and half-bloods were the ones making use of such services, but...still.

Ted smiled, watching them both interestedly. And noticed how Cissa's eyes lit up when the ladies spoke about it. "I'd imagine that if this party is indication, you'd be the most requested planner ever." It might be good for Narcissa, to get out and enjoy something of her own. Ted was a big advocate for people having a hobby that was theirs. Then you could share it with your loved ones or, conversely, take that time for yourself.

"Wouldn't it be brilliant, Cissy?" Andromeda asked, even more convinced once Ted had said something. "You're popular in all of the proper social circles, I imagine not everyone can throw a brilliant party. Do the Warringtons still have that Yule Bash they used to do? If their son didn't improve on his parents' old parties, they could certainly use you, that's for sure. And if you were really interested, Kaleigh and I could keep some fliers in the shop for your adverts. You'd get all sorts of exposure. Not enough to keep you busy all the time, I'm sure, but definitely enough for you to get lots together and try different things."

Narcissa wasn't sure how they went from small talk to career planning, but it really did sound wonderful. "Maybe Kaleigh would help too then?" She still didn't like the idea of her good friend punching register keys just to make ends meet. Maybe that sort of move could benefit them both...She looked toward where the woman stood chatting with Severus and Teddy. "I don't mean stealing her from you or anything, sister, love, but..." She lowered her voice. "Their finances really aren't great. She refuses to touch Teddy's funds, but I'm afraid what will happen once he understands what's happening."

But Andromeda didn't look at it as stealing Kaleigh. Kaleigh was good at the job, yes, and she would likely advance someday if she wanted. But it wasn't as if the store was in desperate need of her. They'd have the Turpin girl starting shortly, as well as a handful of other part time students from Hogwarts. And if the opportunity were to present itself and Narcissa's idea would get Kaleigh the money she needed to make ends meet, then Andromeda could hardly begrudge her new friend that. "Don't you worry about that," she reassured her sister. "If this is something you decide to take on, she can help when you've an event and still keep some hours at the store until you're well on your way. I'm not throwing her out on the street just because my greedy little sister nabbed her something better." Her voice was teasing, though, and she glanced over at her husband with a smile. "Otherwise I'd have tossed Ted out of the house every time some younger, prettier woman made eyes at him in Diagon Alley. And what fun would that be?"

Content to listen, he was nodding. That actually would be very good for Kaleigh. Poor dear needed a break, he knew. He looked over to Andi as she spoke, smiling. Had he told his wife how much he loved her today? If not, or even if so, he was making a mental note to tell her later. Then he started laughing and tried to look as innocent as possible. "I won't tell you then that I asked each of those girls to make eyes, so that you were reminded of how lucky you are."

"Yes, Narcissa. It'd be a good business for you and Kaleigh to go into. Malfoy-Nott party planning. Malott party planning." He was playing around with their names in search for a lovely title. Don't mind Ted.

Narcissa couldn't help it; she had been perfectly serious not three minutes before when Andi spoke, but Ted's suggestions were just god-awful! "Oh, Ted!"

Unable to help herself, Andromeda rolled her eyes, though she was at least still smiling. "Don't mind him," she chided, groaning at his corny suggestions. "I'm afraid someone once told my dear husband that he was amusing, and I don't think anyone ever informed him they were wrong."

He laughed, holding up his hands in surrender. "I wave the white flag, my dears. And take offense to that!" The last part to Andromeda, a mock look of hurt crossing his face. Then he looked over the crowd. "Where's Dora? She appreciates my humour." No, she likely just put up with it. But corny jokes were father's prerogative! Placing a kiss to Andromeda's temple, he smiled genuinely over to both the ladies. "Honestly now. May I get either of you two something to drink?" He was giving the ladies a chance to talk more sisterly and freely if they chose. At least during the time it took him to get the drinks and come back.

Narcissa looked around the room then. She did want to speak to her niece again. "No, I am fine. I really should continue making the rounds." She rested her palm against Andi's cheek. "So glad you came." Dropping her hand, she cleared her throat. Showing too much emotion was never favorable, but especially not in the middle of a crowded party. "Ted...really lovely to see you." She ran a hand down his arm. "Enjoy yourselves." She turned, sweeping away as only Narcissa could.

As her sister walked away, Andromeda breathed a sigh of relief. Things were finally coming together. Finally. She glanced at Ted with a smile, reaching up to impulsively brush a kiss against his lips. "Thank you," she whispered, squeezing his hand. "This means more than I can say."

He smiled at Narcissa, clapping a hand gently on hers when she touched him. "You too, Narcissa. I look forward to next time." And, interestingly enough, he genuinely meant it. Once Narcissa left, he turned to his wife, ready to say something. That, however, was completely forgotten when she went and kissed him! It was brief and soft, which sometimes were the best. "You're quite welcome. I'd tell you that you owe me, but I think gestures like that will be nice enough payment." Replied quietly as he squeezed her hand in return.

She gave a roll of her eyes, but smiled broadly. "Oh, there's more where that came from, Mr. Tonks, and you know it. But until then, we've got another few hours to be social and just because Narcissa turned down that drink, doesn't mean I'm likely to. I am, however, thinking something a bit more posh than pumpkin juice. After all, how often do we get to attend such an affair?" She returned his hip bump from earlier, giggling like a young girl when she did.

"I do know it, Mrs. Tonks, but enjoy hearing it from your mouth." He smiled broadly in return, leaning in toward her. Then he sighed as if put out and brought up her hand, kissing her knuckles. "Very rarely." Said with a wink, "We should steal some rolls." Ted had a very difficult time keeping a straight face when he suggested that. It wasn't helped by the fact that Andromeda was giggling again. "I enjoy when you do that, too. You should do that more." With that, he was leading her toward the refreshments for posh drinks and dinner rolls to steal.